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Doing Nothing on BC's Sunshine Coast

There's a lot to do and see on the Sunshine Coast, but why not just relax?

There’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy on a visit to BC’s Sunshine Coast. But if you'd prefer to do nothing at all, it's a great place to just kick back

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Sunshine Coast for its hiking, kayaking, diving and soaking up the rays in a place that definitely lives up to its name. Not to mention the inevitable tourist visits to Gibsons’ famous former Beachcombers TV set/restaurant – Molly’s Reach.

But none of those reasons are what brought me there for my first visit in my 22 years of living on the west coast. No, I went for the peace and quiet. I went to do nothing.

Doing Next to Nothing on the Sunshine Coast, Oh Yeah

It wasn’t hard: the stress of city life melts almost instantly as you leave the ferry in Langdale and make your way toward Gibsons’ sparkling harbour. A walk around the harbour area and a quick browse through the bookstore was enough activity for me before making my way to the B&B in Sechelt where I spent three nights doing very little at all.

Except eating, that is. Sechelt Inlet B&B is run by a lovely couple who keep a meticulous guest house known for its three-course morning meals. Think fruit salads and yogurt followed by fresh-baked scones and muffins topped with frittatas, omelets and egg-filled crepes.

Doing anything at all after a meal like that is virtually impossible, which is why their patio overlooking the inlet is the second-best feature (after the breakfasts) of a stay in this idyllic place.

When digestion has occurred and moving is once again possible, there are lovely walking trails in the area, including a beach-front boardwalk, so that you can make a bit of space for the next meal.

If you're feeling a little more ambitious, you can drive up the coast to Egmont and do an easy hour-long hike to the Skookumchuck rapids to see the daredevil kayakers play in the waves. On the way out, a bakery hidden in the forest beckons to those who are really only there for the food and the relaxation.

Lisa Manfield is a writer, editor and content strategist. Formerly the editor of bcliving, she has also been managing editor at Orato.com, marketing manager at TheTyee.ca, and contributing editor for a number of publications. She has developed print and online content, marketing collateral, and courseware for Canada Wide Media, UBC, CBC TV and the Knowledge Network. She also teaches Writing and Editing for the Web at SFU. Follow her on Twitter and Google+